Storylines

When Arthur Arnold resigned from the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in protest of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he walked away from one of the world's most prestigious symphony stages. This decision would bring him a world away, to Powell River, British Columbia, a town tucked between the ocean and the mountains with a population of 13,000.This town is at a crossroads. Two years ago, its economic heart, a massive pulp and paper mill, shut down. The plant closure left residents wondering what would come next.But some are hoping that the city’s past could help define its future. There’s a deep history of arts and culture that goes back to the very beginnings of Powell River. And now with people like Arthur Arnold bringing in world class musicians and building an arts hub in town - there’s hope that music could help fill the void left by the loss of the pulp and paper industry. Produced by Liz Hoath and Joan Webber. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit 

Storylines is taking a break for the summer but we'll be back in the fall with a brand new season of audio documentaries. Until then, scroll back through our feed to discover a collection of audio stories to keep you company all summer long.See you in September! 

It’s a little money saving trick Canadians who live near a provincial border know well. They drive to another province to save a bit because products are cheaper there. It’s the kind of thing you’d do without giving it a second thought. However, for Gerard Comeau, driving from New Brunswick to Quebec to buy a case of beer resulted in a ticket and a constitutional challenge that made it all the way to the Supreme Court.  In her documentary, “A Case of Beer …. and Borders,” CBC producer Jodie Martinson explores how Comeau’s beer run became a high-stakes legal battle over interprovincial trade barriers in Canada. The case pittled those who wanted to maintain provincial control of some industries against others pushing for free trade.  The documentary was produced by Jodie Martinson, Liz Hoath, and Joan Webber, with assistance from Mary-Catherine McIntosh. The doc originally aired on The Sunday Magazine. This episode of Storylines first aired in March 2025.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In West Sacramento, California, an unlikely team of firefighters is helping save homes from wildfire. They have four legs, love to eat, and bleat when they're happy. If you haven’t guessed already, we’re talking about goats! When flames raced toward a condo complex in 2022, the fire suddenly stopped. Residents credit the goats who had recently cleared the area of dry grass and brush. Tim Arrowsmith owns over 4,000 goats that graze across northern California. His herds devour fire fuels that would otherwise help blazes spread.In his documentary producer John Chipman explores how this novel approach to wildfire prevention works. He also asks why goat grazing isn't more common in Canada, where officials are skeptical of these cute furry firefighters.Produced John Chipman and Joan Webber with help from Catherin Rolfsen / Originally aired on What on Earth Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In 2014, Shams Erfan was pulled off a bus by members of the Taliban who accused him of being a traitor. A bystander intervened, saving his life, but Shams knew he was no longer safe in Afghanistan. This threat set Erfan on a treacherous eight-year journey. He hoped to find a safe haven in Indonesia. Instead, he spent years stuck in a refugee prison camp. When he finally reached Canada, Shams vowed to help bring others like himself to safety — and he found the people who could help him do it. On this week's Storylines, Alisa Siegel follows three strangers from vastly different worlds, united in a single mission: to rescue refugees trapped in Indonesia and help them begin new lives. Produced by Alisa Siegel and story editing by Liz Hoath.  This program originally aired in March 2024Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit 

For decades, Maria Grazia Filipucci carried on a secret love affair with a Catholic priest. They met as children and became friends, but when he turned 14, his parents sent him off to seminary. They stayed in touch, and as adults began a romantic relationship. Through periods of separation and togetherness, she had to navigate the emotional complexity of loving a man bound by a religious vow of celibacy. Filipucci wasn't alone. Over a decade ago, a group of Italian women went public about their secret relationships with priests. They wanted to break their silence to challenge the church's stance on celibacy and expose the emotional toll these hidden affairs have on everyone involved. This week on Storylines, "Unfaithful", a doc from CBC’s Rome-based correspondent, Megan Williams, about the heartbreak of falling in love with a priest.Produced by Megan Williams and Joan Webber / original aired on The Current in 2014Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

On B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, climate change is changing the region in surprising ways, especially considering it’s nestled in a rainforest.In five of the last eight summers, the region has experienced drought and severe water restrictions. In 2022 it got so bad, The Sunshine Coast Regional District declared a local state of emergency. It’s the first time that’s been done in Canada because of drought. Politicians were worried that there wouldn’t be enough water for the hospital or to fight fires. Businesses had to shut down, farmers lost crops and the crisis has left deep divisions over who gets the water in times of drought. In her documentary, Drought in the Rainforest, CBC docmaker Liz Hoath visits the region to find out about the lasting damage left by the droughts and find out what’s being done to prepare for the dry summers ahead. It’s a story that experts say other parts of the country need to pay attention to because it’s bound to happen again. Produced by Liz Hoath and Joan Webber/ originally aired on What on EarthStorylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

When a Whitehorse resident wrote a letter to the mayor of a little Alaska border town to say she's boycotting the US and that she's "breaking up with America," it captured a feeling many Canadians have right now. But breakups hurt. And this one cuts deep, upending a tradition of connection between these two northern towns.In the small port town of Skagway, about two hours from Whitehorse, locals are feeling the loss of their northern neighbors. Some residents are handing out Canadian flags, while Alaska state representatives push resolutions affirming Canada's sovereignty. CBC's Julia Pagel travels to Skagway to hear from business owners, tourism officials, and local politicians about their attempts to heal this division.Produced by Julia Pagel and Joan Webber / original aired on The Current Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit 

In the countryside across Cambodia, mass graves known as the killing fields, haunt the landscape. They are reminders of the reign of Pol Pot, one of the 20th century's most violent political leaders. He was the leader of the Khmer Rouge. When they seized power they undertook a radical experiment to create a pure Communist utopia.The plan was called "Year Zero."Pol Pot's communist utopia led to the murder of approximately two million Cambodians. Cities were emptied and citizens were forced into rural labour camps. Only the lucky survived. In Howard Goldenthal's documentary, Year Zero Plus 50, he follows the stories of survivors of that era. For them, the quest for justice remains. Produced by Howard Goldenthal and Joan Webber, originally aired on Sunday Magazine.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In the small Innu community of Sheshatshiu, Labrador, 27 people have died from drug-related causes in just two years — a staggering number for a population of only 2,000. At the centre of this crisis is an alarming surge in cocaine, now deadlier than before.Police and drug experts say the situation on this Innu reserve is a consequence of a booming cocaine trade that’s unleashed high-purity cocaine into even remote corners of the country. In his documentary, Pure Hell, CBC investigative journalist Ryan Cooke goes on a quest to find out why this is happening. His journey takes him from the high-stakes pursuit of smugglers aboard a Canadian Navy vessel in the Caribbean, to Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, where former federal cabinet minister Peter Penashue was so desperate to save his community that he attacked a suspected drug dealer's car with a crowbar.Produced by Ryan Cooke and Joan Webber with help from Katie Breen / originally aired on The Current. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

As election signs crowd our streets, leaders hold rallies and our airwaves are full of political advertising, we seldom consider the candidates who run knowing they have almost no chance of winning. These are people who put their names on ballots in ridings dominated by political heavyweights or party strongholds. In the documentary, "The Longshots", CBC producer Joan Webber introduces us to four former longshot candidates from elections past who ran despite impossible odds. There is Kyle Warwick, a then 22-year-old political science student who campaigned while studying for his finals. Then there is Yvon Vadnais, who decided to run against Justin Trudeau in his Papineau riding and Matt Master Bergener, a musician who rode horseback through Calgary while challenging then PM Stephen Harper. Finally there is Beatrice Ghettuba, an immigrant from Kenya who wanted to run to counter people’s expectations of an immigrant. In the doc, you’ll discover why these candidates take on the grueling work of running for office when the chance of winning is close to impossible. The doc was produced by Joan Webber and originally aired on The Current. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

Some people struggling with opioid addiction are turning to a powerful psychedelic called ibogaine. The drug is derived from the bark of an African rainforest shrub, and its proponents believe it sends people on a transformative journey that can free them from addiction. In countries like Mexico, ibogaine use is unregulated, so resort-like clinics are offering what they consider treatment for addiction, by sending people on powerful psychedelic trips. In her documentary "Ibogaine: The Last Trip?", senior CBC reporter Karen Pauls introduces us to Rocky Dhillon. He’s one of a growing number of Canadians who are seeking out this treatment in Mexico. We’ll also meet a Winnipeg businessman who is trying to get Health Canada approval for clinical trials of ibogaine, with the goal of offering it as a treatment for addiction in Canada. Some say the drug has changed their lives but there have also been tragic consequences, like the Canadian man who died on an ibogaine trip in South Africa. Produced by Karen Pauls and Joan Webber / originally aired on The Current. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In Surrey, B.C., a bird renowned for its beauty became the centre of an ugly dispute. In the quiet Sullivan Hights neighbourhood, a group of peafowl divided a community for over a decade. The story began when Ryan Craig and his wife bought a home and quickly noticed three peacocks roosting nearby. At first they were charmed, but soon became overwhelmed as this population exploded to some 100 birds. They and their fellow residents soon faced damaged property and a messy, noisy battle with the animals. In his documentary, A Foul Feud, CBC Vancouver journalist Rafferty Baker takes us into this divided community where neighbours were no longer speaking to each other, a tree was illegally felled and bylaw officers called in to deal with the peacocks — and the residents. The documentary was produced by Rafferty Baker and Joan Webber and originally aired on The Current in 2018.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

A black-and-white photograph shows 11 young Chinese boys in untucked shirts standing in a row, with a middle-aged Western man in a suit smiling behind them.This image would lead Fang Sheng on a journey to uncover his father's musical past and the identity of the mysterious "Mr. Adler," — a Jewish refugee who fled to Shanghai during World War II to escape the Nazis.In Finding Adler, we follow Fang as he pieces together how an orphaned Chinese child became one of the founding members of China's National Symphony Orchestra with the help of an Austrian violinist named Ferdinand Adler. Produced by Sharon Wu and Liz Hoath / this documentary first aired on The Current back in 2018.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In central Mississippi the poultry industry dominates, with massive processing facilities operating around the clock. Employing tens of thousands of workers, these chicken plants are the economic backbone of the region. But on August 7, 2019, officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted one of the largest workplace raids in U.S. history, detaining 680 undocumented workers across seven poultry facilities. In his documentary, “Practically Mexico Now,” CBC doc producer John Chipman takes us to the heart of this community to document the ongoing impact of the immigration raids all these years later. What he finds is a community where fears are rising as Trump promises mass deportations. The doc was produced by John Chipman and Jodie Martinson with help from Liz Hoath. The doc originally aired on The Current.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

It’s a little money saving trick Canadians who live near a provincial border know well. They drive to another province to save a bit because products are cheaper there. It’s the kind of thing you’d do without giving it a second thought. However, for Gerard Comeau, driving from New Brunswick to Quebec to buy a case of beer resulted in a ticket and a constitutional challenge that made it all the way to the Supreme Court.  In her documentary, “A Case of Beer …. and Borders,” CBC producer Jodie Martinson explores how Comeau’s beer run became a high-stakes legal battle over interprovincial trade barriers in Canada. The case pittled those who wanted to maintain provincial control of some industries against others pushing for free trade.  The documentary was produced by Jodie Martinson, Liz Hoath, and Joan Webber, with assistance from Mary-Catherine McIntosh. The doc originally aired on The Sunday Magazine. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

Over the past near-century, Academy Award categories have come and gone. In the silent film era there was an award for Best Title Writing. You know, the written cards that summarized the “dialogue”? Oscar worthy. This year’s 96th Academy Awards broadcast saw Oscars handed out in a whopping 23 different categories, from the big wins like Best Picture, to awards for behind-the-scenes expertise in costuming and score. But one group of people thinks there should be yet another added to that list: best stunts. Stunt actors are real life action heroes behind the biggest movies, but it’s unlikely we know their names and faces, at least not if they’re doing their jobs right. They risk life and limb to bring films to life. The chariot race in Ben-Hur? The entire Fast and Furious franchise? None of them would be possible without stunt coordinators and performers. On this week's Storylines, Joan Webber tells the story of a decades-long effort to get stunt workers their Oscar due.Produced by Joan Webber. Story editing by Julia Pagel.  This documentary first aired on Storylines back in April of 2024.Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

The Chinook salmon of the Yukon River are on the brink of extinction. This cultural keystone species has  the longest salmon migration in the world, up to 3,200 kilometres. But warming waters caused by climate change, along with other stresses, have decimated their numbers, forcing a seven-year fishing ban. For Indigenous communities in the region, this is not only an environmental tragedy but also a loss for their culture. In her documentary Ghosts in Their Nets, Laura Lynch takes us to Whitehorse, Yukon, where she meets First Nations leaders and advocates who are leading the charge to protect the species and demanding that the irreplaceable Chinook salmon be better taken care of. The doc was produced by Laura Lynch and  Rachel Sanders, with help from Molly Segal, Mathias Wolfsohn, Catherine Rolfsen and Joan Webber with the CBC Audio Documentary Unit / The doc originally aired on What on Earth. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

In July 2024, seven fishermen from around New-Wes-Valley, Newfoundland set out on their fishing boat in search of turbot.  While at sea that day a fire broke out near the engine room, before long the bunkroom was full of smoke. The seven sailors had no choice but to abandon ship and before long they were  sitting in a small life-raft. What followed was a 52-hour ordeal that tested not just their will to survive, but the bonds between them. The situation could not have been more dire, two of the men couldn’t swim, supplies were dwindling and a thick fog hampered rescue efforts.  In this documentary, 52 Hours Lost at Sea, find out what it was like to spend more than two days adrift in the North Atlantic. Produced by Mary-Catherine McIntosh and the Audio documentary unit / the doc originally aired on The Current. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit 

The stories of undocumented people living in the United States are well known, especially since President Donald Trump began a major immigration crackdown. However, there is also a sizable population of undocumented people in Canada. According to the federal government, there could be as many as 500,000 people living here without legal status. Many of them work in jobs that make them like "ghosts" in our society, such as farmwork, cleaning homes, or working late shifts in grocery stores.In this episode of Storylines, a documentary by Lyndsay Duncombe called, Living in the Shadows, that brings us the stories of people living in Canada without legal status. Many of them live in fear of deportation and without access to healthcare. Her documentary reveals the human impact of living in the shadows of Canadian society.Undocumented was produced by Lyndsay Duncombe with help from Liz Hoath and Marnie Luke / originally aired on The Current. Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit